Dear Brothers, Sisters and fellow blog readers, 

Do you ever struggle with anxiety, big or small? 

I do. 

I think about things I probably shouldn’t. Big things (to me) like, “What if I need to get off the plane but I can’t?” or “What if this medication gives me an allergic reaction?” And lately it’s been, “Is our son safe at school? What if the recession happens as predicted? Will my next performance review at work go well? Am I doing a good job as a mother?”

I still remember the first time I had a panic attack in my early 20s. I thought my lungs were imploding and my throat was closing. I couldn’t manage to catch my breath and I was spiraling—fast. 

Over the years, I’ve learned coping mechanisms for my nervous nature and am thankful for the small ways I’ve found to overcome those frightening feelings. 

I’ve mentioned this before in previous blog posts, but one of the things that has helped me the most is to tell myself out loud (yes, out loud) that the Master and Creator of the universe has me in the palm of His hands. For whatever reason, making myself incredibly small and remembering His greatness in size seems to do the trick. Within a few minutes, I’m breathing normally again. 

Additionally, I’m a big fan of sighing. You know, the deep breath kind. 

Perhaps you have something nerve-racking on your mind today and you aren’t feeling the greatest. Do me a favor real quick: take a deep breath in … and now sigh it out. 

Feel free to repeat that a few times and then I’ll let you in on a little secret. 

Do you know what “sigh” stands for? 

Sitting

In

God’s 

Hands

It’s almost too perfect, isn’t it? He created our bodies and an action we could take to calm ourselves down … and the action is an actual reminder of what we are supposed to be remembering in that moment (that we are sitting in His hands). 

Throughout the Bible and Book of Mormon, the Lord tells us time and again not to fear. In the Bible alone it’s mentioned more than 70 times. I hear it in sermons and in Sunday School lessons frequently, but my human mind still doesn’t always register exactly what I’m supposed to be doing to be bigger than the fear I’m feeling. 

When I’m in the midst of an incredibly anxious moment, my mind doesn’t immediately think about those 70 times I was commanded to keep calm and carry on. It does, however, remember how great our God is—and that even in a moment of fear, I’m in His hands. 

It’s the ultimate calming factor. 

So today, no matter your concern, try this trick to quiet your mind. I’m willing to bet a sigh is just what you need. 

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:13)

“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:16)

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.